Ancient Hindu Mythology tells of might King Mahabali, Also Known as Maveli-a benevolent, but ambitious ruler. The Hindu God, Vishnu, teaches Maveli a lesson and shows him how to conquer his ego. Legends say he also gave Maveli the special privilege of visiting his people once a year. This visit is celebrated as the great harvest festival of Onam in the South India state of Kerala. So even today, every year, the people of Kerala cook a sumptuous banquet and decorate their homes to symbolically welcome their old King Maveli back to Kerala.